On the occasion of Egypt’s National Day, marking the 74th anniversary of the 23 July Revolution, H.E. Mr. Emad Hanna, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Mrs. Hayam W. Mikhail hosted a diplomatic reception at the Egyptian Residence in The Hague.
The reception brought together a distinguished gathering of diplomats, heads of international organizations, Dutch officials, business leaders and members of the Egyptian community. In a warm and welcoming atmosphere, guests exchanged views on current international and regional affairs while enjoying Egyptian hospitality and cuisine.
Following the national anthems, Ambassador Hanna reflected on the depth and breadth of Egyptian-Dutch relations, emphasizing the close political dialogue maintained between the two countries.
“Egypt and the Netherlands share a long-standing and dynamic relationship, built on mutual respect, shared values, and a growing portfolio of cooperation.”
He highlighted the continuous engagement between the political leaderships of both countries, particularly during the war in Gaza, and recalled the Dutch participation in the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit in October 2025.
“The high-level Dutch participation in the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit in October 2025 demonstrated the unwavering commitment to de-escalation, humanitarian action, and the pursuit of a just and lasting peace.”
The Ambassador also pointed to growing economic relations, notably the visit of the Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation to Egypt in May 2026, accompanied by a large business delegation. Cultural cooperation has likewise gained momentum, including the voluntary restitution by the Netherlands of an ancient Egyptian stone artefact dating from the reign of King Thutmoses III.
Another important area highlighted by Ambassador Hanna was Egypt’s role in humanitarian efforts for Gaza. He referred to the June 2026 visit of a Dutch parliamentary delegation to Egypt and the Rafah Crossing, where the delegation witnessed Egypt’s efforts to facilitate humanitarian assistance.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Hanna placed particular emphasis on the longstanding Egyptian-Dutch partnership in water management, which this year marks its 50th anniversary.
“This partnership has become a model of successful international cooperation built on innovation, knowledge exchange, and mutual trust.”
He also highlighted new cooperation with IHE Delft Institute for Water Education on water diplomacy and with Clingendael Academy on diplomatic training and the exchange of expertise. Egypt’s participation in the Dutch Shiraka programme, he noted, has further strengthened institutional cooperation and capacity building.
The Ambassador also invited Dutch companies to view Egypt as a strategic gateway to Africa, highlighting its membership in AfCFTA and COMESA, modern infrastructure, expanding renewable energy sector and green hydrogen ambitions.
“Egypt presents unique opportunities for Dutch businesses seeking long-term partnerships not only in Egypt, but across the African continent.”
Fifty Years of Water Cooperation
The significance of the water partnership was further underlined by Ms. Meike van Ginneken, Water Envoy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, who presented a video showcasing water projects carried out through Egyptian-Dutch cooperation.
Reflecting on the contrasting but complementary histories of the two countries, she observed:
“When I go abroad as a Water Envoy for the Kingdom of the Netherlands, I always proudly present our long history of water management, started over 800 years ago.”
She then turned to Egypt, whose relationship with the Nile has shaped its civilization for thousands of years.
“And then I go to Egypt, where water management has a history of four thousand or five thousand years.”
Ms. Van Ginneken emphasized that the partnership goes far beyond infrastructure and technical cooperation. Over the past five decades, thousands of Egyptian professionals have studied, trained or undertaken internships in water management in the Netherlands, creating generations of specialists with strong professional and personal connections.
“If you realize it is 50 years of collaboration, we have a generational water expertise who became professional and experienced. This is human connection, and that’s why I’m very happy to be here today.”
The anniversary was also marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at further strengthening cooperation in water management, sustainability and capacity building.
The evening concluded with a renewed celebration of Egyptian culture, friendship and cooperation, encapsulating the spirit of Ambassador Hanna’s closing words:
“Long live Egypt … Long live the friendship between Egypt and the Netherlands.”
